Marines, Afghan leaders combine efforts to complete humanitarian assistance

AFGHANISTAN

08.22.2010

Story by Lance Cpl. Jeremy Fasci 

Regional Command Southwest

Coalition forces and of Afghanistan officials coordinated a food drive, Aug. 22, at Musa Qa’leh, Afghanistan.

Local-hired Afghans distributed supplies for Ramadan such as rice, beans, cooking oil and blankets to more than 100 underprivileged families.

“We employed the Afghan National Police to utilize their vehicles for transport and security,” said Maj. Anthony J. Aragon, civil affairs team leader with I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD). “We made our best attempt to get only Afghans involved and provided only guidance and direction for them.”

Aragon, from Salt Lake City, said the mayor, deputy district governor and district governor comprised a list of the underprivileged families for whom to donate items. All three local leaders attended the distribution.

“It was great to see the district governor was there,” said religious program specialist, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Timothy J. Martin assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. “I believe the local Afghans were pleased to see one of their own leaders there supporting the event.”

The main source of the items was from the humanitarian aid yard, a facility that provides storage and distribution for humanitarian aid supplies. There are two located in Afghanistan. The civil affairs detachments in Musa Qa’leh and Now Zad worked together to get basic aid out to the smaller districts.

Aragon said the effort took a fair amount of patience to coordinate. “But, it was still successful because a majority, if not all of it, was put on the Afghans for completion,” he said.

Monetary packages were delivered to families who were unable to attend the distribution. A second food distribution will be held during the Eid al-fitr celebration, a three-day celebration of the fast-breaking part of Ramadan.

“This food distribution shows a step forward in Afghans taking control,” Martin said. “Soon, they will be doing this on their own completely.”

• Date Taken: 08.22.2010
• Date Posted: 08.29.2010 08:39
• Story ID: 55340
• Location: AF